Port or larger saw?

[nick060200]

I recently got a MS461. I really like this saw. Coming from a 460 rancher its night a day difference. Its more than enough saw for the fire wood and storm trees i do on a yearly basis. I'd like to be able to mill some wood occasionally though and pull a 36" bar to do so. This won't be the main purpose for the saw but I'd like the option if the need arises. A port job is just under $400. whats everyones thoughts on porting the MS461 vs using the money and a little extra to buy a bigger used saw?

 

[Deleted member 117362]

Big cc saw for milling.

 

[cuinrearview]

Big cc saw for milling.

Agree with this. $400 could get you into an occasional use 90+cc saw if you're patient. Maybe not a Steal but something more than capable. Also, $400 for a port job?

 

[mikerudder]

Save up a little more and get a bigger saw for dedicated milling.
You should be able to find an 066 or 394.395 for a couple bills on top of the $400

 

[cuinrearview]

Seems like I've seen a $400 394 runner lately. Hmm....

 

[Ted Jenkins]

There is no substitute for displacement. And ported motors always run hotter. Thanks

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

$400 for a port job?

Don't forget the ignition upgrade to an unlimited coil, parts for the muffler, and shipping. You're easily at 200 for that alone.

And ported motors always run hotter. Thanks

Not if they're done right.

 

[andy]

You don't need that high chain speed porting brings to a saw.

I run a Ported ms441 for felling and a 3120xp for milling.
The 3120 is also ported but I feel those improvements are not used during milling operation.

For milling, get a big saw with a great oiler and free breathing Muffler to help move heat out.
The cubes and oiler should be your focus.

Additionally a milling set up is best left as such.
It's a hassle to take the beast saw out of the milling "Cage" to go fall or stump a tree.
Much better to leave it as a dedicated mill if you can afford to.
It was a stretch for me to have a dedicated milling saw but now I don't see any other way.

Safe sawing!

 

[cuinrearview]

Don't forget the ignition upgrade to an unlimited coil, parts for the muffler, and shipping. You're easily at 200 for that alone.

I would not pay that for a 460 coil, a deflector, and FedEx. But I don't know how you do the muffler and I know brand new Stihl coils ain't cheap.

 

[andy]

BTW
Port the 461 for regular use anyway.
Life is short... have some fun!

 

[Gord404]

overwork a smaller saw that is not designed to do big saw stuff and you end up paying the price, no substitute for big CC's for big jobs like milling.

 

[Czed]

Most i ever paid to have a saw ported was 250.00
A ported 461 is a fine running saw.
394/395 are what guy's mill with here mostly.

 

[drf255]

Buy a bigger saw to mill, the biggest you can find.

A saw ported for milling is done differently than a saw ported for racing in cants, and there is in between that too.

You won’t believe how much power is needed to mill until you actually do it. It’s surprising.

A 395 is a great saw for it. Great power, great oiler, and outboard clutch to disperse heat.

 

[Yotaismygame]

For $250 i'll port it. Those 461's are easy to port. PM me for details.

 

[blsnelling]

You NEED to both port the 461 and find a 394/395.

 

[jltrent]

I would look for a MS660 or 066, lots of parts can be found and they are proven...they have a good strong crank and case for the job.

 

[Huskybill]

Even an older 285xp, 298xp, 2100, 2101 could mill too. There are some used ones around just haggle. Some ask $550 or $600 and are happy to get $250/$350. Slap in a new ring and go milling. I ran 2100’s/2101 for many decades and I had a newer 394 I liked the 2100 better.